How Do I Choose A CPAP Machine?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, is a machine that provides air or respiratory ventilation for those who suffer from sleep apnea. It is also used with intensive care patients or those with respiratory issues. Probably the most uncomfortable part of the CPAP machine is the mask that is worn over the nose, mouth, or both. The machine generates a stream of air that forces the throat tissue apart for easier breathing. Sleep apnea is caused when airways become obstructed during sleep. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, chances are your doctor has recommended you get a CPAP machine to aid in nighttime breathing. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. It is kind of like holding your breath repeatedly throughout the night interrupting your good nights sleep. Unfortunately, those who sleep alone may not even realize they have sleep apnea. When the breathing pauses during sleep, the person becomes partially awake but not consciously awake to even remember the episodes.

When the breathing pauses during sleep, the person becomes partially awake but not consciously awake to even remember the episodes. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea. This apnea is caused due to the relaxation of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. The tissue relaxes during sleep and obstructs the airways. The CPAP machine blows a continuous stream of air that gently forces the tissue out of the way. Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, headaches, weight gain and even mood or behavior changes. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder and should be treated as such. If you suspect sleep apnea, a sleep study from your doctor can confirm or refute your suspicions. A study can be conducted in a sleep clinic, hospital, or a portable polysomnography can be taken home to test your sleep habits. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor will in all likelihood prescribe a CPAP machine.

When the CPAP machine is first prescribed, many patients shy away from even trying the treatment because of the face mask. However, after continued use the patient feels so much better during the day the mask is just a part of the machine that is tolerated. Feeling well and healthy is worth getting used to the mask. CPAP machines are obtained only with a prescription and units must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration before being sold to the consumer.

Machines: There are various sizes available. One design is so small it fits in the palm of your hand. This small machine comes with a carrying case, too. The CPAP machine is usually the size of a shoebox. A flexible tube connects the machine with a mask that is worn over the nose or mouth. The air is pushed through the tubing by the generator in the machine and is set according to the patient’s apnea. Adjusting the machine for comfort is important. Many machines comes equipped with ramp and start pressure that the patient can adjust. Easy to read displays, meter to track compliance and hours of service, altitude compensation and quality blowers are also available on most machines. Some machines have fixed air pressure but some will adjust the pressure throughout the night. Some machines can sense snoring sound and then increases the pressure of air flow to counteract the effects of the snoring. If there is a decrease in air flow, the CPAP increases the pressure and also increases the pressure during an apnea episode. This sophisticated machine then maintains the air pressure until another sleep event causes it to adjust. Data can be stored and then your sleep history can be analyzed either by your doctor or yourself.

CPAP Masks: Finding a mask that is comfortable is crucial in tolerating a CPAP machine night after night. You need to be fitted for the mask, tubing and headgear. The mask is connected to the tubing that is connected to the machine. The machine then directly delivers the air through the tubing. The mask holds the tubing in place. The mask must be comfortable and provide an effective seal. If air escapes, then the air pressure will not be correct and the therapeutic benefits of the machine will be compromised. There are a number of designs available to go with your machine. Most masks are triangular in shape and are worn over the nose. A full-face mask is available for mouth breathers. The SoftFit Ultra Nasal mask is made of a soft silicone that prevents leakage from around the nose. As part of its construction, a forehead pad minimizes pressure on the bridge of the nose. Remember this will be on your face all night so the fit is important. Six sizes are available in this mask and parts are detachable for easy cleaning or replacement. A new mask is available that has the silicone seal but also has a soft, foam-like memory foam that conforms to facial contours. If you are allergic to silicone masks, others are available that are made from synthetic rubber or vinyl. Masks are also available made from gel-like materials that also mold to your face. These conforming masks alleviate pressure points and provide as much comfort possible for something that covers your face at night while you sleep.

Nasal Pillows: If you cannot find a mask that is comfortable, nasal pillows are an option. The nasal pillows are small flexible pieces that are attached to a plastic adapter that is attached to the tubing. People with more severe apnea find the nasal pillows uncomfortable due to the increase of needed air pressure. The pillows do not rest on the nose, upper lip, or cheeks. There are advantages to the pillows. If you are allergic to the material the masks are constructed from or you have facial hair, the nasal pillows may be the answer. The nasal pillows are also attached to headgear like the masks to hold them in place.

Headgear: Foam headgear that also comes in a variety of sizes holds the mask in place as you toss and turn at night. The headgear has adjustable straps that hold the mask in place. Straps should not be too loose so air won’t escape through the mask. If the strap is pulled too tight, it won’t be comfortable. A good fit will enable you to sleep on your back, side or front for a good night’s sleep. Clips are usually attached to the straps to provide for easy removal of the mask. The clips also keep the straps in place so adjustment doesn’t have to take place each night.

Humidifier: Many CPAP users complain of dry mouth and dry tissue due to the constant flow of air all night long. Humidifiers are available that connect with CPAPs and provide warm, humid air. The special humidifier ensures a consistent temperature difference between water and air to minimize condensation in the tubing. The humidification level stays constant throughout the night.

There are several manufacturers offering different machines with different features. Typically the CPAP is covered by insurance. It can be rented or purchased through a home health care company or they can be purchased over the Internet. Before purchasing, it is a good idea to rent a machine and try different masks and even different machines. Comfort is so important with the machines to ensure nightly use. Bi-level devices with different pressures-one for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation-is a plus and available. More sophisticated machines with more bells and whistles may not be automatically covered by insurance companies. Visit with your doctor when choosing a CPAP machine. The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. Do your homework and be patient as you try different masks for comfort. The consistent use of the machine at night will improve your health, your spouse’s good night sleep, and your disposition.

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